Library Celebrates National Volunteer Week

We love our loyal and dedicated Library volunteers.  We feel very fortunate to have an amazing total of 474 active volunteers who contributed a whopping 10,526 hours of their time since July 2008.  Thanks to volunteers, Library staff are freed up to better serve you.   In celebration of National Volunteer Week, Library staff provided a table of goodies all week to thank volunteers.

Libraries are Booming in Tough Economic Times

According to American Library Association President Jim Rettig, public library usage in the U.S. has increased 65% since two years ago.  Lake Oswego Public Library is certainly booming with over 1,000 visitors per day.  We provide an amazing collection of books, movies, and music.  We offer quality entertainment and classes.  And it’s all free.

Library Helps Job Seekers

This year we launched a new series of free classes to help with resume writing and job hunting.  A recent resume class was a smashing success for at least one attendee who got called for an interview after sending in a resume created in this class.  “They called me!” 

For more information about Library classes, go to http://www.ci.oswego.or.us/library/AdultCalendar.htm#classes.

Library Provides Free Entertainment and Enrichment

Looking for uplifting activities that are free of charge?  The Library offers four ongoing series, made possible by the Friends of the Library. Enjoy a live music performance at our First Tuesday concerts.  The May concert features the 3 Leg Torso Trio, a daring modern chamber pop group.  Want to sample and learn about the theater, dance, music and more?  Check out our First Wednesday Performing Arts series.  Our May program features Oregon Symphony Laureate Associate Conductor, Arranger, and Clarinetist Norman Leyden.   You’ve read the book, now meet the author at our Third Tuesday author talks.  In May, author Robert Hamm discusses his book Becoming Oregon: A Printed History.  Two bonus literary events in May include a writing and photo exhibit and reception by the Wisdom Writers’ Group and a lecture by author/filmmaker Matt Briggs, creator of the documentary film Deep Green.   For more information about programs for adults please go to http://www.ci.oswego.or.us/library/AdultCalendar.htm.

Focus on Sustainability

May is Sustainability Action Month.  Of course, libraries are a great example of sustainability since library materials are shared throughout the community.

Look around the Library for displays of books and other items about this popular topic.  Besides author/filmmaker Matt Briggs’ program as mentioned above, we will host two book discussion groups on Hot, Flat, and Crowded by Thomas L. Friedman.  For more information please go to http://www.ci.oswego.or.us/library/AdultCalendar.htm.

Teens at the Library

Teens are important at the Library.  They help us by serving on the Teen Advisory Board, assisting at teen programs, and creating hilarious summer reading club public service announcements that air on cable TV.  In fact, TCVTV was just here videotaping their 2009 summer reading PSA and it is a winner!  Teens also enjoy gaming programs through the year and a summer reading club with fabulous prizes.  For more information please go to http://www.ci.oswego.or.us/library/teen/default.htm.